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Overview

From #1 New York Times best-selling author Robert Beatty comes a thrilling new series set in the magical world of Serafina.

Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.

Willa, a young night-spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the homes of day-folk under cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work-the day-folk kill whatever they do not understandbut Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.

When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day world, she calls upon an ancient, unbreakable bond to escape. Only then does she discover the truth: not all day-folk are the same, and the foundations that have guarded the Faeran for eons are under attack.

As forces of unfathomable destruction encroach on her home, Willa must decide who she truly is. To save the day-folk family that has become her ownand lift the curse that has robbed her people of their truthWilla will meet deadly force with trusted alliance, violence with shelter, and an ever-changing world with a steady heartbeat of courage.

Product Details

About the Author

Robert Beatty is the author of the #1 New York Times bes-tselling Serafina series published by Disney Hyperion, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate.

Serafina and the Black Cloak was a #1 New York Times best seller, has been on the list for more than 59 weeks, and won the prestigious 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. The second book in the series, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, became a #1 New York Times best seller in the first week of its launch and earned a "Starred Review" from Kirkus Reviews, which said, "Even better than its predecessor, a sequel that delivers nonstop thrills from beginning to end." Enjoyed by both young readers and adults, the books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide. The third book in the Serafina series comes out in July 2017.

Robert Beatty lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three daughters, who help create and refine his stories. He loves to explore Biltmore Estate and the darkened forest trails where his novels take place. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Robert was one of the early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative Magazine. In 2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year. When asked about the inspiration for his books, Robert said, "Serafina's journey grew out of my desire to write a story about an unusual and heroic young girl for my three daughters."

Editorial Reviews

08/20/2018In this charming middle grade adventure set in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains in 1900, Willa, a young Faeran, or night-spirit, is caught between her own slowly dying clan and the human “day-folk,” whom she’s always been taught to fear and avoid. As a jaetter or hunter-thief, Willa is responsible for stealing from the day-folk to benefit her clan and its charismatic leader, the padaran. But a botched scavenging attempt reveals that not all humans are murderous monsters. Her additional discovery that her own people hold dangerous secrets prompts her to defy the enigmatic padaran and seek a way to correct a grievous wrong. Faced with the potential destruction of everything she’s known, Willa takes control of her own destiny. In this series starter set in the same world as his Serafina books, Beatty conjures up a resourceful, compassionate heroine. Full of atmospheric details and richly described magic (“As the branches reached out over the water to hold her, they rustled in the wind, talking”), this well-paced tale asks insightful questions about the relationship between nature and humans. Ages 8–12. Agent: Bill Contardi, Brandt & Hochman. (July)

Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART

*"From the first gripping page, the book pulses with action and intrigue... Each character continues to surprise both one another and readers with their emotional complexity. A captivating, edge-of-your-seat, action-packed fantasy."-Kirkus, starred review

"Willa is a strong and likable creature of the natural world, and seamlessly represents themes of loyalty, tradition, family, and stewardship of the Earth in this engaging story."-School Library Connection

"The heroine is an appealing character... and her anguish is clear as she wavers between frightened self-preservation and her desire to help her friends."-School Library Journal

"Willa of the Wood will grip readers from its first page... Willa is... an admirable protagonist."-Culturess

"A moving, atmospheric journey of hope."-Kirkus Reviews

"Beatty conjures up a resourceful, compassionate heroine. Full of atmospheric details and richly described magic... this well-paced tale asks insightful questions about the relationship between nature and humans."-Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2018-06-17The old sourwood trees, the rushing streams and rivers, and the great mountain are home to 12-year-old Willa. She and her mamaw live in Dead Hollow with hundreds of her dwindling Faeran clan. Ruled over by their fearsome leader and god, the padaran, the Faeran are a woodland race who once numbered in the thousands, living on the Smoky Mountain as stewards of the forest. Under the rule of the padaran, the old ways of speaking to animals and plants, foraging and caretaking, and using the old language are forbidden. Instead, Faeran children are forced to speak Eng-lish and drafted into his fearsome army of trained hunter-thieves called jaetters, who must steal from the day-folk, or white homesteaders. One night, Willa breaks into a homesteader's cabin and is badly wounded. When the human man sees that she's so gravely hurt, he tries to help—to her shock. Willa flees to Dead Hollow, where she is shocked to discover a young Cherokee boy along with many other human children imprisoned. As she sets out to unravel this mystery, she grows to understand the power of individual choice and of standing up for what's right. Beatty writes a close third-person narration from Willa's perspective, allowing readers to see the various humans she encounters through her eyes: the Cherokee the Faeran predated but live peacefully alongside; the day-folk the jaetters steal from; and the loggers and developers who do violence to them all—and with whom the padaran has more in common than he should.A moving, atmospheric journey of hope. (Fantasy. 10-14)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

This is the kind of story that draws you in and holds you captive! It's the kind of story I would have loved as a youth.
Willa loves the woods. She protects them from the humans even as she steals from them. That's how she survives. Raised to belief deeply in the magic and strength of the Smoky Mountains, her world is not flat, not round but mountains.
The author has a magical style that draws you in and has you wondering about what people believe compared to what is. It's one of those books that's beautiful in its ability to make you think. Willa grew-up believing one thing about her people and about the humans. But life isn't always what one has been taught. And figuring that out what it is really is the point of growing up.
Willa is a well developed character with a deep love of the animals around her. She is compassionate and strong. A small woodpecker she helps and the wolves who help her are put a small example of her adventures. But it is strangers coming together that really makes this story come alive. A magical journey to see that others have a different (not bad) way of doing things. As the twists and turns of this one conclude, it's been a satisfying journey.
I haven't read this author before so I didn't have any expectations. I'm glad I took the time to check it out and enjoy the magic in it's pages. It's definitely a good one for middle grade but could be enjoyed by all ages.

Caroline-R

More than 1 year ago

Fans of the Serafina Series will not be disappointed in Robert Beatty's new heroine, Willa! Mr. Beatty has woven a remarkable tale of courage, strength, love and perseverance all within his main character, Willa, a young non-human creature (Sprite?) of the Appalachian Mountains. Willa is a strong female character who has to use her intelligence, kindness, intuition and inner-strength to overcome great obstacles and difficulties in her life. Her deep love and connection with the animals and trees of the forest prove to be mutual as they help each other several times throughout the story. Mr. Beatty's incredibly intense descriptive writing had me so immersed in Willa's tale I would become completely oblivious to anything else going on around me while I read. Upper-elementary and middle school Fantasy readers will love Willa of the Wood and will anxiously await the second installment of her story.

Michelle Kennard

More than 1 year ago

It was a privilege to be able to be a part of the advance review team for Willa of the Wood. I can't say enough good things about this story, and I couldn't put it down! If you enjoy the Serafina series, you'll enjoy this too! I read it with my daughter and she was on the edge of her seat the entire time. We can't wait to see what happens in the next book! ❤️

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Willa was exciting! It was fun to read (I finished the whole book in only 2 days) and it is a wonderful book if you love adventure. Willa is an exciting and adventurous girl. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her clan and the animals. The story starts when Willa is stealing from a family so they can trade things for food. She tries to stop her clan from trapping and killing animals to sell their pelts. She doesn't want her clan killing animals because they are her friends, especially Luthien the Wolf. She keeps her ideas to herself because she worries about what her clan would do if she told them that she loves the animals so much. But in the end, she becomes part of an even bigger family and saves the animals that she loves so much. I think everyone should read this book because it is a wonderful story! I stayed up all night to finish it! - Review from Raine, age 11

MelonieH

More than 1 year ago

I loved the Serafina Series, so I had high hopes for this book! I was not disappointed!!! I was unprepared for just how much I would love it. It is a moving story full of magic and love set in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It makes me want to go visit the mountains again. I so hope we will hear more of Willa of the Wood!

CMcMillon

More than 1 year ago

This review is written by my 13 year old daughter.
I received the book early as an early reader.
I really enjoyed this book. It is very action filled and on going. I did not want to stop reading the book. Willa is a very brave girl. she is willing to do anything for the good. She cares for her family and friends deeply. Willa would not five up in all cases even if it meant she would have to risk her life for others.
This book is another amazing book written by Robert Beatty. I highly encourage you to read this book along with the Serafina series. This book is being added to my list of favorite books and I can't wait to read more books written by Robert Beatty!

18876111

8 days ago

This book was heartbreaking, magical, and beautiful. Robert Beatty has a way of creating stories with such strong characters, and excellent world building and this book is no exception. There was a bit of mystery in this book, and I did not see the plot twist coming at all. I adored Willa, she was such a strong female character who stood up for what she believed in. I also loved the new relationships that she created. I can't wait to read more from this series and to see what happens to Willa next!

helshawk

3 months ago

The Serafina series was really good but this book overshadows all that came before. Willa, who possesses the knowledge of the dying ancient and mystical art of woodcraft, faces tough decisions that could separate her from her kinfolk, the Faeran. Those decisions start a chain of events that are thought-provoking and fully capable of ending the world as Willa knows it. Thrust into a role she never asked for, her differences makes her feel alien wherever she goes and whatever she does. A powerful, heart-wrenching story emerges from Willa and her will to do her dead sister and parents proud and to be the girl her grandmother raised her to be, no matter the situation, no matter the odds.

Anonymous

7 months ago

Great story with strong characters and an amazing plot! I didn't even see that ending coming! I bought this book out of curiosity and I was not disappointed , not even once! Wish it was a series.

Anonymous

11 months ago

Love this book. So many lessons of love and hate and hardship. Most of all of the importance of family.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Kayla Arrowood

More than 1 year ago

I received this book as an advanced reader copy pre-release.
I loved getting to peek at one of Robert Beatty's books before everyone else. I personally love his Serafina set so I was interested to get my hands on this one too. I wasn't disappointed.
WIlla of the Wood is a well written book, very easy to read and keeps you interested during your reading time. She is feisty and curious. I love how this book teaches us how to respect our environment. She goes on a few adventures.
Overall this book was wonderful. I loved reading it. I think young girls will really enjoy this book.

MadisonHartley_SART

More than 1 year ago

I thought it was amazing!! Willa of the wood is such a fantastic book. It was thrilling, fun, enchanting, and you really felt like you were with her the entire story. Willa is a young girl and the last of her kind, and as she journeys through the Great Smokey Mountains she discovers who she truly is. Not just a girl, not just a Faeran, but Willa of the Wood. But her clan is falling apart.. She calls upon the life of the forest to help her, to guide her, and to give her strength for what is to come. She does what her heart tells her do to for the people she loves, but will it cost her everything?
I love this book very much and thought it was absolutely stunning! Robert Beatty never disappoints!
-Madison Hartley

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Willa of the Wood is another beautifully blended tale of magic and mystery from the author of the best-selling Serafina series, Robert Beatty.
What I love about this book: 1) Willa - her wit, her will to do what is right, she is an inspiring girl. 2) Location, location, location - The Great Smoky mountains are the perfect backdrop to this beautifully written story. 3) The 'Language' - all writers have their own voice/style and Mr. Beatty's is captivating, exhilarating, and uplifting. Even when his characters face uncertain circumstances you can't help but feel the power they have that helps them overcome (and in turn, feel a bit of that power in yourself)
About the book:
Willa is a night-sprit and a thief for her clan with unique powers that make it hard for her to fit in with her fellow clan members. To prove her worth Willa takes a dangerous risk with deadly results, but an old friend comes to her aid and shares with Willa a power as ancient as her own.
Willa uncovers a shocking secret about her clan, one that changes everything and when the leader of her clan tries to kill her friend Willa warns her just in time and then makes her own escape.
With nowhere to go Willa learns the truth about the day-folk and the leader of the clan, as it turns out things are not always what they seem.
Now Willa must make a choice, to stay in her new home or to set things right by destroying everything she had known before. This brave girl must rely on her powers, wit and strength as she faces danger and rises to the occasion, blending courage and compassion into a force so strong that nothing can stand in her way.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Willa of the Woods is a new series by Robert Beatty, the author of the Serafina series. I have enjoyed reading all three books of the Serafina series. Beatty’s writing keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. Willa of the Woods is no different. In the beginning, Willa is entangled with the lies and evilness of her clan and her people. She believes the ways of her clan until her faithfulness shaken by day-folk which are the type of people she was told killed her family and those like her. Willa is forced to make a choice of her loyalty to her clan and people or of a true force of her own being that is much greater than she really knows. Willa is a heroine to herself and finds her life’s purpose. I have admiration for the way Robert writes Willa to have so much pain, but still finds hope for her future. I feel many people will connect to Willa and see themselves in her.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

WOW!! I'm usually not a huge fan of fantasy books, but when I realized the story is set in the Great Smoky Mountains, basically my back yard , I was intrigued! I have not read the Serafina books (yet), but apparently many of the characters from that series have found their way into Willa of the Wood. So the first thing I did after finishing this book was to get online and order the Serafina series!
Willa is a young night spirit who lives in the Smoky Mountains with her clan. At night she is forced to steal from Day Folk (humans), and bring the treasures she collects to the leader of the Faeran. The book takes unexpected twists and turns as Willa is faced with one trial after another. From the first chapter on, I found myself swept up into a hidden world of mysticism, intrigue, and infinite possibilities. Through the eyes and thoughts of Willa, I even found myself wondering if perhaps there might me more to this world than us day-folk realize!
Some parts of the story do get a little dark, so I probably would not recommend it for young children. However, older children, teens, and adults will absolutely fall in love with Willa! I wish there was a sequel already written, but since there's not, I'm really looking forward to beginning the Serafina series!

Brandon DeBruhl

More than 1 year ago

I was fortunate to read this book in advance, and loved it so I ordered a copy.
Set in the Great Smoky Mountains around the time of the early 1900's, a time when much of the mountains were left alone and uncharted by modern man, save for a handful of homesteaders.
Willa of the Wood allows you to glimpse into a time of magical and undisturbed life of the wildlife, clans and tribes of the people, creatures and legends of the Smoky Mountains.
Willa, a young Faeran girl who descends from a line of powerful night-spirit's of old, discovers not all of what she has been brought up to believe of the world is true. Friends will become enemies, enemies will become friends.
If you have enjoyed the Serafina series by author Robert Beatty, I highly recommend reading Willa of the Wood.
Travel with Willa as she discovers her powers, long thought to be forgotten. Yearning to find her place, not only in the world she was born into, but also the far greater world she has yet to discover.
Remember my friends,
Edoa Niganayesgvna - Stay Bold

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